The realism/anti-realism debate in its contemporary expressions has focused on the claims of naturalism versus constructivism of various kinds. This philosophical discourse has spilled over into historical and sociological characterizations of scientific investigation and its truth claims. arising from these larger issues, the exploration of the values that guide science pose the questions, Is science value-free? and if not, What are the criteria for objectivity and neutrality? This course will explore these questions from both historical and philosophical perspectives, and students will pursue, through individual research papers, the claims an counter claims of critics and defenders of positivist science.
